The 2011 Shooting
There was a shooting in Philadelphia in 2011, that had left four people injured. However, there were bystanders that were not exactly able to give a description of those that committed this crime.
Furthermore, it was alleged that the shooters had ran from the crime scene, something that Charles J. Rice, or the alleged shooter, could not do at the time. However, it seems that when this had reached the court of law, it was completely dismissed, and justice was not served in the slightest for him. Furthermore, he had a great doctor, who stood by his side and furthered his testimony, and was able to prove his innocence as well.
Incarceration
This Philadelphia man had to endure several years incarcerated for something he took no part in. This is not the first time something of this nature has occurred, as it is happening constantly in the United States.
There have been several people that have been incarcerated wrongfully, not only in Philadelphia, but all across the country. Many people have had to endure longer incarcerations, as they were not given the justice they deserved early enough. Luckily for this Philadelphia man, he was able to have several support systems, and was able to be re-tried and exonerated.
However, after his exoneration, he still has not received any monetary compensation for the time he spent behind bars. However, many agree that no sum of money can make up for the amount of time he lost in that cell.
The Future of the Justice System
The Justice system is clearly flawed, and it continues to prove that exact fact very often. There needs to be a change in how the justice system is able to criminally prosecute people. There are too many innocent people that are constantly put behind bars for crimes that they never committed.
Furthermore, being able to implement a better system to prevent wrongful incarcerations, will further improve the justice system as a whole. There is a hope that within the near future this Philadelphia man is able to receive the help and the guidance that he needs as he begins his new life free from incarceration.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
CNN News: Philadelphia man incarcerated as a teen is freed after more than a dozen years in prison
CBS News: C.J. Rice exonerated after serving 12 years behind bars for 2011 attempted murder he did not commit
Featured Image Courtesy of Marco Verch’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Andrew Scott’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
